1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards Value
Hockey cards have been a popular collectible for decades, and the 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee set is one of the most sought after by collectors. This set marked the first time that O-Pee-Chee, a Canadian sports card company, produced a set that was the same size as their American counterparts, Topps. The set featured 264 cards, including all of the players from the NHL's 14 teams at the time. In this article, we'll take a look at the value of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards and what makes them so valuable to collectors.
The Rarity of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
One of the biggest reasons that 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards are so valuable is their rarity. While Topps produced a large number of cards each year to meet demand, O-Pee-Chee was a smaller company and did not produce as many cards. This means that there are fewer 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee cards in existence, making them more valuable to collectors.
In addition to their overall rarity, there are also several cards in the set that are extremely rare. These include the "Test" cards, which are experimental cards that were created in small quantities to test different printing techniques. There are only a handful of these cards in existence, making them some of the most valuable cards in the set.
The Condition of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
Another factor that affects the value of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards is their condition. As with any collectible, the better the condition of the card, the more valuable it is. Cards that are in near-mint or mint condition are much more valuable than cards that are creased, torn, or have other damage.
One thing to keep in mind when valuing your 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards is that centering can also affect the value. Cards with off-center printing can be worth significantly less than cards with centered printing, even if the condition is otherwise identical.
The Players Featured on 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
The players featured on 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards are also a major factor in their value. This set includes many of the greatest players of the era, including Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, and Gordie Howe. Cards featuring these players are among the most valuable in the set.
There are also several rookie cards in the set that are highly sought after by collectors. These include the rookie cards of Ken Dryden, Guy Lafleur, and Marcel Dionne. These cards are particularly valuable when they are in good condition.
The Value of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Cards
The value of 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards varies depending on a number of factors, including the player featured on the card, the condition of the card, and the rarity of the card. Some of the most valuable cards in the set include the rookie cards of Ken Dryden, Guy Lafleur, and Marcel Dionne, as well as cards featuring Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito.
As of 2021, the value of a 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey card can range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the card's condition and rarity. The most valuable cards in the set are likely to be those in near-mint or mint condition, featuring a highly sought after player, and are extremely rare.
Conclusion
1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards are a valuable and highly sought after collectible for hockey fans and card collectors alike. Their rarity, condition, and the players featured on the cards all affect their value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, adding a 1971-72 O-Pee-Chee hockey card to your collection is sure to be a valuable and rewarding investment.
